This delicious and simple Raw Almond Paleo Hummus Recipe is low-carbohydrate and suitable for those needing to manage blood sugar levels, or those following a keto or paleo style approach to eating. It is also free of chickpeas, which makes it suitable for anyone intolerant to legumes.
I’ve been wanting to share this recipe for Raw Almond Paleo Hummus for a while now. What makes this hummus ‘paleo’ or even ‘keto’ is the omission of chickpeas. In my practice, there are many reasons why clients avoid chickpeas. The most common reason is due to the unfortunate symptoms at the hands of chickpeas of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which can include bloating, gas and pain. More recently I have been experimenting with lower carbohydrate recipes, both for my work in Diabetes, but also out of interest. I also try to stand by the goal of 50% of my meals being raw (see my post Is A Raw Diet Right For You?). Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of the legume family (see my post 5 Reasons You Should Eat Lentils) but this Raw Almond Paleo Hummus hits the spot for certain dietary needs, and best of all, it is SO tasty.
”Almonds are especially high in monounsaturated fat, the same healthy fat found in olive oil and featured in the Mediterranean Diet.”
Ingredients for Raw Almond Paleo Hummus
Health Benefits of Almonds
Vitmains and Minerals in Almonds
Almonds are one of the best nut sources of Vitamin E, an important antioxidant that aids in protecting cells from oxidative stress (see post Understanding How Antioxidants Can Fight Oxidative Stress). They also contain a good amount of magnesium, manganese as well as copper and vitamin B2, including.
Almonds and Healthy Fats
We can rely on almonds, just like other nuts and seeds, for their content of healthy fats. Almonds are particularly high in monounsaturated fat, the same type of healthy fat found in olive oil. A diet high in monounsaturated fats has been linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Almonds and Blood Sugar Stabilization
Almonds, just like other nuts and seeds, can play an important role in stabilizing blood sugars. The fibre, protein and healthy fats in these foods don’t break down into glucose, or sugar, and contribute to more stable glycemic control. Due to their low carbohydrate content, almonds are keto and paleo friendly.
Soak almonds for at least 6 hours, ideally 12 hours before using.
Tips On Making This Raw Almond Hummus
Soaking The Almonds
Nuts and seeds, just like legumes and grains, should ideally be soaked prior to use. This not only helps the nuts blend better, but it also removes the compound phytic acid present in these foods which binds to minerals including iron, zinc and calcium and makes them less bioavailable to our bodies. This is more important for those following a plant-based diet, as these minerals are harder to come by and are less available overall.
Aim to soak almonds for at least 6 hours, ideally 12, and drain the water before use. See my post How To Get Enough Zinc for Vegans and Vegetarians and How To And Health Benefits of Sprouted Food for more information.
Start Small with Garlic
Raw garlic is what is used in traditional hummus, though it can have a strong bite. I find my organic garlic cloves can sometimes be double the size of the common grocery store garlic clove. Start small with garlic, you can always add more. Roasting garlic beforehand results in a more mellow garlic flavour but takes away from the 100% ‘rawness’ of this dish. See my recipe for Roasted Garlic Hummus for instructions on how to roast garlic.
Ingredients for Raw Almond Paleo Hummus Blended in Vitamix. Parsley is optional.
Notes On Making This Raw Almond Hummus
Using Other Nuts or Seeds
I’ve made this paleo hummus with a mixture of sunflower seeds and hemp hearts which works great as they blend easily and result in a smooth consistency. Sunflower seeds and hemp hearts do not require as long of a soaking process (minimal 1 hour, ideally 3). See Hemp and Sunflower Seed Pate for a similar recipe.
Hummus Without Tahini
If you don’t have tahini on hand, it can be omitted for this style of hummus. Another option is to add 1/4 cup of sesame seeds instead of tahini.
Smoked Almond Hummus
Add 1 tsp of smoked paprika to the recipe for a smoked almond hummus. Toasting the almonds at 275 degrees Farheniet for 10-15 minutes can contribute to a more toasty almond flavour.
Keto Almond Hummus
This recipe is keto appropriate, given its high-fat content, moderate protein content, and low net carb content (approximately 3 grams per serving). Serve it with these Low Carb Keto Crackers with Flaxseed.
Wanting Classic Hummus?
If using almonds in hummus is sounding too outside your comfort zone, feel free to use regular chickpeas. For this recipe use one 450g can of drained, organic chickpeas.
Recipe Adaptions
This recipe was adapted from the Bliss Café Cookbook, a Raw Food Eatery located in Victoria BC. The recipe is pretty much perfect so I have kept most aspects the same. I prefer to add turmeric to mine, both for the health benefits (1), and to improve the colour of the hummus. I also love the addition of fresh parsley, which not only adds a level of freshness but also colour.
Want More Dip Recipes?
For another raw dip try this Hemp and Sunflower Seed Pate, or Cauliflower and Miso Dip. For something a little different try this Moroccan Smokey Eggplant Dip, or this Beet and Cream Cheese Dip. For another little spin on the classic hummus, try this Roasted Garlic Hummus.
Pair It With These Low Carb Crackers
Serve this Raw Almond Hummus with these Low Carb Keto Flax Crackers. They are surprisingly easy to make (no dehydrator required!) and are full of only 100% goodness, no added oils, flours, or funny stuff.
Serve the Raw Almond Paleo Hummus with These Low Carb Seed Crackers
Did you make this Raw Paleo Almond Hummus Recipe? Let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and share it on Pinterest. If you take a photo of your recreation for Instagram, tag me @theconsciousdietitian so I can see it!
Raw Almond Paleo Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds raw, soaked*
- 1/4 cup tahini raw
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup lemon juiced (1 large lemon)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper ground
- 3/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin ground
- 1/4 cup parsley (optional)
Instructions
- *Soak the almonds for at least 6 hours, preferably 12 hours before using. Drain the water before using.
- Add all of the ingredients into a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Option to add parsley for colour and flavour.
- Serve with these Low Carb Keto Seed Crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
Rachel Dickens, The Conscious Dietitian, is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. She graduated with her Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2010 from Griffith University. She strives to provide evidence-based nutrition information with a focus on plant-based nutrition, and share some of her favourite seasonal recipes and sustainable eating tips.
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